XII.
“Long days have passed since I from distant land
“My course did to this cemetery steer,
“That in the solemn mysteries I scanned,
“Merlin to me the truth should better clear;
“And having compassed the design I planned,
“A month beyond, for thee, have tarried here;
“Since Merlin, still with certain knowledge summing
“Events, prefixed this moment for thy coming.”
XIII.
The daughter of Duke Aymon stood aghast,
And silent listened to the speech; while she
Knew not, sore marvelling at all that passed,
If ’twere a dream or a reality.
At length, with modest brow, and eyes down-cast,
Replied (like one that was all modesty),
“And is this wrought for me? and have I merit
“Worthy the workings of prophetic spirit?”
XIV.
And full of joy the adventure strange pursues,
Moving with ready haste behind the dame,
Who brings her to the sepulchre which mews
The bones and spirit, erst of Merlin’s name.
The tomb, of hardest stone which masons use,
Shone smooth and lucid, and as red as flame.
So that although no sun-beam pierced the gloom,
Its splendour lit the subterraneous room.
